Integrating Life Cycle Assessment of Renewable Energy Systems into Green Healthcare: A Conceptual Framework for Occupational and Patient Safety in Environmental Pharmacy and Nursing Education
摘要
The transition to renewable energy systems in healthcare facilities presents both opportunities and challenges for occupational safety and patient care. This conceptual paper develops an integrative framework that applies Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental and safety impacts of renewable energy technologies—such as solar panels and lithium-ion batteries—within clinical settings. Drawing from recent literature and interdisciplinary insights, the framework connects LCA with occupational health risk mapping, patient safety analysis, and curriculum development in environmental pharmacy and nursing education. The novelty of this study lies in extending LCA beyond environmental metrics to include occupational and clinical safety dimensions, while embedding the results into educational modules. The proposed model identifies critical phases in the energy lifecycle that may pose ergonomic, chemical, or operational risks to healthcare workers and patients. It also outlines how LCA findings can inform the design of safer, more resilient energy systems in hospitals and rural clinics. Furthermore, the paper advocates for embedding LCA-based modules into health science curricula to foster sustainability literacy and risk awareness among future professionals. By aligning with the Green Digital agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this framework offers a strategic pathway for integrating environmental intelligence, safety protocols, and educational innovation in healthcare.